Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders
- Las Vegas Raiders
- 11/29/2025 10:36:18 PM
After a mid-season slump that left playoff hopes teetering and team morale at a low, the Las Vegas Raiders have sparked a dramatic turnaround with a three-game winning streak, reenergizing the locker room, reigniting fan enthusiasm, and restoring confidence in the franchise’s direction. The streak—overcoming divisional rivals and playoff contenders alike—hasn’t just improved the Raiders’ record; it’s transformed the team’s mindset, turning doubt into determination and frustration into focus. Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders explores the key moments of this winning run, how players and coaches collaborated to reverse fortunes, and the tangible impact of renewed morale on and off the field. For a team that faced questions about leadership and consistency just weeks ago, the streak is more than a statistical blip—it’s a reminder of what the Raiders can achieve when firing on all cylinders.
Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the pivotal first win of the streak: a 27-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 16, a divisional matchup that had eluded the Raiders earlier in the season. The game marked a return to form for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns without an interception—his first turnover-free game in over a month. Running back Josh Jacobs, who had been hampered by an ankle injury, also found his stride, rushing for 112 yards and a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown that sealed the win. What stood out most, however, was the team’s resilience: after trailing 13-7 at halftime, the Raiders outscored the Broncos 20-7 in the second half, with the defense forcing two turnovers and sacking Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson three times. “That first win was like a weight lifted off our shoulders,” Jacobs said after the game. “We’d been so close in so many games, and finally getting over the hump—especially against a division rival—gave us that spark we needed. You could feel the energy shift in the locker room right after the final whistle.”
A defining factor of the streak, highlighted in Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders, is the defense’s dominant resurgence—particularly star defensive end Maxx Crosby’s leadership on that side of the ball. Over the three wins, the Raiders’ defense allowed an average of just 18 points per game, down from 27 points per game during their mid-season slump, and recorded 10 sacks (four of which came from Crosby). In Week 17’s 31-14 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the defense stole the show: they held the Colts to 220 total yards, forced three interceptions, and scored a touchdown on a 45-yard fumble return by linebacker Denzel Perryman. Crosby, who had been vocal about the defense’s need to step up, set the tone with his relentless energy—he played 92% of defensive snaps against the Colts, a career high, and was constantly communicating with teammates to adjust formations. “Maxx’s intensity is contagious,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. “When he’s playing like that, everyone else raises their game. The defense feed off his energy, and that’s been a huge part of our turnaround. Morale isn’t just about winning—it’s about seeing your leaders give everything, and Maxx does that every snap.”
Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders also delves into the offensive adjustments that fueled the run—specifically, the Raiders’ shift to a more balanced attack that played to their strengths. Offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi simplified play calls for Garoppolo, focusing on short, high-percentage passes to wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow (who combined for 32 catches and 380 yards over the three wins) and leaning more on Jacobs’ running to control the clock. The offensive line, which had allowed 12 sacks in the six games before the streak, also improved dramatically, giving Garoppolo time to throw and creating holes for Jacobs. In Week 18’s 24-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs—a victory that snapped a five-game losing streak to the Chiefs—the offense executed perfectly in the fourth quarter: they converted three third downs, ate up over seven minutes of clock, and scored the game-winning touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Garoppolo to Adams. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this offensive consistency has been key to boosting morale—players no longer second-guess plays; they trust the system and each other. “We’re not trying to do too much anymore,” Garoppolo said. “We’re playing to our strengths, and that’s made everyone more confident. When the offense is clicking like this, it makes the whole team feel unstoppable.”
Another visible impact of the streak, explored in Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders, is the renewed connection between the team and its fans at Allegiant Stadium. During the mid-season slump, empty seats were common at home games, and boos could be heard after costly mistakes. But over the three wins, Allegiant Stadium was packed (selling out all three games) and the crowd’s energy was electric—fans chanted “Raiders!” throughout the fourth quarter of the Chiefs win, and many stayed after the game to cheer as players walked off the field. The team has embraced this fan support, with players like Crosby and Adams stopping to sign autographs and take photos with fans after practices. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this rekindled fan enthusiasm has been a morale boost in itself—players feel the support, and it motivates them to keep performing. “The fans mean everything to us,” Adams said. “To see the stadium packed again, to hear them cheering like that—it’s a reminder of why we play this game. Their energy pushes us, and it’s great to give them something to celebrate again.”
Looking ahead to the off-season and next year, Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders outlines how this winning run has set a positive foundation for the franchise. The streak has proven that the Raiders have the talent to compete with the NFL’s top teams—they just need to maintain consistency. It has also solidified Crosby’s status as a franchise cornerstone and reminded the front office of the value of retaining key players like Jacobs and Adams. Head coach Josh McDaniels, who faced criticism during the slump, has earned back some trust with his ability to adjust and lead the turnaround. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the streak isn’t just a way to end the season on a high note—it’s a blueprint for next year. “This streak shows us what we’re capable of,” McDaniels said. “We’ve learned from our mistakes, and we’ve grown as a team. Morale is high, but we’re not satisfied. We want to build on this—we want to make the playoffs, we want to win championships, and this streak is the first step in that direction.”
Three-Game Streak Lifts Morale Within the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately tells a story of resilience—a team that refused to quit when things were tough, came together to fix their flaws, and emerged stronger on the other side. The streak has lifted morale not just because of the wins, but because of how the wins were achieved: through teamwork, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. For players, coaches, and fans alike, it’s a reminder of the passion and pride that define the Raiders franchise. As the team heads into the off-season, they carry with them the confidence that comes from overcoming adversity—a confidence that will fuel their preparations for next season. In the end, this three-game streak isn’t just a highlight of the 2025 season; it’s a turning point that could shape the Las Vegas Raiders’ future for years to come.